At least 12 people were killed and scores more wounded Thursday when the Taliban attacked a police headquarters in the southern city of Kandahar, officials and the insurgents said.

The assault comes amid a series of peace talks between Washington and the Taliban that both sides say are making progress, but which so far have yielded no reduction in violence in the gruelling Afghan conflict.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the afternoon attack in Afghanistan's second-largest city started with a car bomb, then saw gunmen storm the police compound.

"A number of mujahideen equipped with heavy and small arms breached the headquarters and launched their operations inside," he said.

Baheer Ahmadi, the Kandahar governor's spokesman, told AFP that 12 people had been killed, including nine civilians and three police officers. Another 89 were wounded, he added.

Police chief Tadin Khan said the car bomb was followed by two other explosions.

"The fighting is over now. Some vehicles were burnt. Now the Afghan army and US helicopters are hovering in the area," he told AFP.

Hayatullah Hayat, the provincial governor for Kandahar, said Afghan security forces had launched a "clean-up operation" to see if any attackers were remaining.

Pictures on social media showed a huge plume of smoke rising over Kandahar, and Hayat said about six trucks carrying commercial goods had burnt.&nbsp;

The assault comes just one day after two Afghan soldiers -- who were really Taliban operatives -- fatally shot an Afghan colonel in Ghazni province.

At least 12 people were killed and scores more wounded Thursday when the Taliban attacked a police headquarters in the southern city of Kandahar, officials and the insurgents said.

At least 12 people were killed and scores more wounded Thursday when the Taliban attacked a police headquarters in the southern city of Kandahar, officials and the insurgents said. The assault comes amid a series of peace talks between Washington and the Taliban that both sides say are making progress, but which so far have yielded no reduction in violence in the gruelling Afghan conflict. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said the afternoon attack in Afghanistan's second-largest city started with a car bomb, then saw gunmen storm the police compound. "A number of mujahideen equipped with heavy and small arms breached the headquarters and launched their operations inside," he said. Baheer Ahmadi, the Kandahar governor's spokesman, told AFP that 12 people had been killed, including nine civilians and three police officers. Another 89 were wounded, he added. Police chief Tadin Khan said the car bomb was followed by two other explosions. "The fighting is over now. Some vehicles were burnt. Now the Afghan army and US helicopters are hovering in the area," he told AFP. Hayatullah Hayat, the provincial governor for Kandahar, said Afghan security forces had launched a "clean-up operation" to see if any attackers were remaining. Pictures on social media showed a huge plume of smoke rising over Kandahar, and Hayat said about six trucks carrying commercial goods had burnt. The assault comes just one day after two Afghan soldiers -- who were really Taliban operatives -- fatally shot an Afghan colonel in Ghazni province.

At least 12 dead in Taliban attack on Afghan police headquarters

A Taliban attack on a government security compound in central Afghanistan on July 7 killed at least eight security personnel, six civilians and wounded more than 140, officials said, as rival Afghan groups met in Qatar to discuss peace.

14 Killed in Another Taliban Attack

14 people lost their lives and 140 got injured in another Taliban attack in Ghazni, Afghanistan. Watch this video to know more.

Ghazni: 14 killed in another Taliban attack

The death toll in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-4-killed-36-wounded-in-taliban-attack-233354">Taliban attack in northern Faryab province</a> of Afghanistan has risen up to 14, officials said on Saturday.

Around 40 others were severely injured in the attack.

The Kamma Press, citing the 209 Shaheen Corps, reported that Taliban fired multiple rounds of mortars and rockets in a market area.

The Corps said that the shelling started at 6:39am [local time].

"Fourteen civilians were killed and 40 -- including women and children -- were wounded," Hanif Rezaee, an Afghan army spokesman said.

Few people with severe injuries were shifted to Balkh province's hospitals.

The deadly incident comes as the war between the Taliban and Afghan security forces rages on, even as Taliban officials are meeting with US negotiators in Doha in a bid to bring about an end to the conflict.

On Sunday, the insurgents will meet in the Qatari capital with various representatives from Afghan society as part of a potential peace process.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The death toll in a Taliban attack in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan has risen up to 14, officials said on Saturday. Around 40 others were severely injured in the attack.

The death toll in a Taliban attack in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan has risen up to 14, officials said on Saturday. Around 40 others were severely injured in the attack. The Kamma Press, citing the 209 Shaheen Corps, reported that Taliban fired multiple rounds of mortars and rockets in a market area. The Corps said that the shelling started at 6:39am [local time]. "Fourteen civilians were killed and 40 -- including women and children -- were wounded," Hanif Rezaee, an Afghan army spokesman said. Few people with severe injuries were shifted to Balkh province's hospitals. The deadly incident comes as the war between the Taliban and Afghan security forces rages on, even as Taliban officials are meeting with US negotiators in Doha in a bid to bring about an end to the conflict. On Sunday, the insurgents will meet in the Qatari capital with various representatives from Afghan society as part of a potential peace process. (With inputs from AFP)

Afghanistan: Death toll reaches 14 in Taliban attack in northern Faryab province

At least four civilians were killed and 36 others suffered injuries in a Taliban attack in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan.

The Kamma Press, citing the 209 Shaheen Corps, reported that Taliban fired multiple rounds of mortars and rockets in a market area.

The Corps said that the shelling started at 6:39 am [local time].

Taliban has conducted various attacks in the past few days.

On June 2, 68 people suffered injuries in a coordinated attack by the terror group which rocked the city of Kabul.

At least four civilians were killed and 36 others suffered injuries in a Taliban attack in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan. The Kamma Press, citing the 209 Shaheen Corps, reported that Taliban fired multiple rounds of mortars and rockets in a market area.

At least four civilians were killed and 36 others suffered injuries in a Taliban attack in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan. The Kamma Press, citing the 209 Shaheen Corps, reported that Taliban fired multiple rounds of mortars and rockets in a market area. The Corps said that the shelling started at 6:39 am [local time]. Taliban has conducted various attacks in the past few days. On June 2, 68 people suffered injuries in a coordinated attack by the terror group which rocked the city of Kabul.

Afghanistan: 4 killed, 36 wounded in Taliban attack

The United States condemned a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-gun-battle-rages-in-kabul-after-blast-injures-100-taliban-claims-responsibility-231998">Taliban car bombing</a> and gun assault in the capital Kabul on Monday that killed six people and wounded dozens including 50 children.

"This brazen attack demonstrates the Taliban's callous disregard for their fellow Afghans, who have repeatedly voiced the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the White House said in a statement.

At least six people were killed and dozens, including 50 children, wounded when the Taliban detonated a powerful car bomb in Kabul -- the latest deadly attack in one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a child.

Save the Children led international condemnation of the blast targeting a defence ministry building, which sent a plume of smoke into the air during rush hour and shook buildings nearly two kilometres away.&nbsp;

Gunmen then stormed a nearby building, triggering a gun battle with special forces in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

At least six people were killed, including one child and two special forces, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

The health ministry put the wounded toll at 116 people. Among the injured were 50 children, officials said, adding that most had been hurt by flying glass and were in stable condition.

Rahimi said all five gunmen and the driver of the car had been killed, and a clearing operation was over.

Some social media images purportedly taken at a hospital showed wounded, stunned children in school uniforms, still clutching books as they arrived for treatment.&nbsp;

Five schools were damaged in the blast, the education ministry said.

Save the Children branded the attack "utterly deplorable", warning that "children's smaller bodies sustain more serious injuries than adults" and that the trauma of such attacks can stay with them for years.

The Taliban claimed the attack, which came just two days after the insurgents began a seventh round of talks with the US in Qatar, as Washington eyes a breakthrough before Afghanistan's presidential election in September.

The United States condemned a Taliban car bombing and gun assault in the capital Kabul on Monday that killed six people and wounded dozens including 50 children.

The United States condemned a Taliban car bombing and gun assault in the capital Kabul on Monday that killed six people and wounded dozens including 50 children. "This brazen attack demonstrates the Taliban's callous disregard for their fellow Afghans, who have repeatedly voiced the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict," the White House said in a statement. At least six people were killed and dozens, including 50 children, wounded when the Taliban detonated a powerful car bomb in Kabul -- the latest deadly attack in one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a child. Save the Children led international condemnation of the blast targeting a defence ministry building, which sent a plume of smoke into the air during rush hour and shook buildings nearly two kilometres away. Gunmen then stormed a nearby building, triggering a gun battle with special forces in the Puli Mahmood Khan neighbourhood of the Afghan capital. At least six people were killed, including one child and two special forces, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. The health ministry put the wounded toll at 116 people. Among the injured were 50 children, officials said, adding that most had been hurt by flying glass and were in stable condition. Rahimi said all five gunmen and the driver of the car had been killed, and a clearing operation was over. Some social media images purportedly taken at a hospital showed wounded, stunned children in school uniforms, still clutching books as they arrived for treatment. Five schools were damaged in the blast, the education ministry said. Save the Children branded the attack "utterly deplorable", warning that "children's smaller bodies sustain more serious injuries than adults" and that the trauma of such attacks can stay with them for years. The Taliban claimed the attack, which came just two days after the insurgents began a seventh round of talks with the US in Qatar, as Washington eyes a breakthrough before Afghanistan's presidential election in September.

Brazen attack in Kabul demonstrates Taliban's callous disregard for Afghans: US

Humanitarian groups were reeling Thursday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as officials confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-attack-at-ngo-kills-at-least-9-in-kabul-217215">nine people had been killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul a day earlier</a>.

Wednesday's attack outside Counterpart International, a non-profit group working with marginalised people in Afghanistan, began with an immense blast from a car bomb in a busy commercial area in central Kabul.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the death toll had risen to nine, including five members of the Afghan security forces, a guard at Counterpoint and three civilians.

Anti-poverty group CARE, which has offices close to Counterpart International, said three of its workers -- a driver, a watchman and a technical advisor -- were killed in the blast.

"This attack reflects the increasing dangers of humanitarian work in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and the unfortunate daily reality of violence for many Afghan families," CARE said in a statement.

In addition, 20 civilians were wounded in the attack, which saw several Taliban gunmen storm the Counterpoint compound after the blast. They were all killed after Afghan commandos led an hours-long clearance operation.

Wednesday's massive explosion felled trees and toppled dense concrete blast walls on the street outside Counterpart.

The blast radius extended hundreds of metres (yards) in all directions, blowing out windows in nearby homes and businesses.&nbsp;

Dozens of workers could be seen sweeping debris and broken glass from streets in the popular Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood in central Kabul, which is home to shops, restaurants and hotels.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Counterpart International was targeted because it promoted the "inter-mixing" of men and women.

Insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter the aid group had mentored "Kabul admin workers in various aspects of brutality, oppression, terror, anti-Islamic ideology &amp; promotion of western culture."&nbsp;

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 30 aid workers were killed last year in Afghanistan -- one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarians.

Afghanistan was once a hub of foreign aid but deteriorating security has seen international groups downgrade their presence, making it even more difficult to deliver crucial help to the war-torn country's most vulnerable citizens.

Several aid groups, including Save the Children, have been the target of terror attacks and have suspended operations in the wake of the assaults.

Wednesday's attack came even as US and Taliban officials were meeting in Qatar for peace talks. 
&nbsp;

Humanitarian groups were reeling Thursday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as officials confirmed nine people had been killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul a day earlier.

Humanitarian groups were reeling Thursday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as officials confirmed nine people had been killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul a day earlier. Wednesday's attack outside Counterpart International, a non-profit group working with marginalised people in Afghanistan, began with an immense blast from a car bomb in a busy commercial area in central Kabul. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the death toll had risen to nine, including five members of the Afghan security forces, a guard at Counterpoint and three civilians. Anti-poverty group CARE, which has offices close to Counterpart International, said three of its workers -- a driver, a watchman and a technical advisor -- were killed in the blast. "This attack reflects the increasing dangers of humanitarian work in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and the unfortunate daily reality of violence for many Afghan families," CARE said in a statement. In addition, 20 civilians were wounded in the attack, which saw several Taliban gunmen storm the Counterpoint compound after the blast. They were all killed after Afghan commandos led an hours-long clearance operation. Wednesday's massive explosion felled trees and toppled dense concrete blast walls on the street outside Counterpart. The blast radius extended hundreds of metres (yards) in all directions, blowing out windows in nearby homes and businesses. Dozens of workers could be seen sweeping debris and broken glass from streets in the popular Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood in central Kabul, which is home to shops, restaurants and hotels. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Counterpart International was targeted because it promoted the "inter-mixing" of men and women. Insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter the aid group had mentored "Kabul admin workers in various aspects of brutality, oppression, terror, anti-Islamic ideology & promotion of western culture." According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 30 aid workers were killed last year in Afghanistan -- one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarians. Afghanistan was once a hub of foreign aid but deteriorating security has seen international groups downgrade their presence, making it even more difficult to deliver crucial help to the war-torn country's most vulnerable citizens. Several aid groups, including Save the Children, have been the target of terror attacks and have suspended operations in the wake of the assaults. Wednesday's attack came even as US and Taliban officials were meeting in Qatar for peace talks.

Kabul aid groups reel after nine killed in Taliban attack

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The Taliban killed more than 100 members of the <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-kill-12-in-car-bomb-attack-on-military-base-officials-191737">Afghan security forces</a> inside a military compound in central Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a senior defence official said.

"We have information that 126 people have been killed in the explosion inside the military training centre, eight special commandoes are among the dead," said a senior official in the defence ministry in Kabul, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official said the assault began on Monday morning when the attackers rammed a car full explosives through a military checkpoint and detonated the vehicle inside the campus of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) forces training centre in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Maidan Wardak province.

Two gunmen entered the campus right after the explosion and shot at many Afghan soldiers before being gunned down during the clashes.

Defence ministry officials said the Taliban had used US-made armoured Humvee vehicles captured from Afghan forces as a car bomb in order to breach the military fortifications.

A second source residing in Maidan Wardak province said more than 100 members of National Directorate of Security (NDS) were killed in the complex attack.

"I have been in touch with the NDS official in the province and they told me that over 100 members of the NDS were killed in the big explosion," the former provincial official said.

Sharif Hotak, a member of the provincial council in Maidan Wardak said he saw bodies of 35 Afghan forces in the hospital.

"Many more were killed. Several bodies were transported to Kabul city and many injured were transferred to hospitals in Kabul," said Hotak, adding that "the government was hiding the accurate casualty figures to prevent a further dip in morale of the Afghan forces."

"The explosion was very powerful. The whole building has collapsed," he said.

Government officials in Maidan Wardak and Kabul declined to comment when asked if they were obscuring the death toll.

Two senior officials in the interior ministry said the exact casualty figures was not being disclosed to prevent unrest within the armed forces.

"I have been told not to make the death toll figures public. It is frustrating to hide the facts," said a senior interior ministry official in Kabul.

A senior NDS official in Kabul said at least 50 people were killed or wounded in the complex attack.

Abdurrahman Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor in Maidan Wardak said 12 people were killed and 12 were injured when the car bomb exploded near the Afghan special forces unit.

President Ashraf Ghani's office in a statement said the "enemies of the country" had carried out an attack against NDS personnel in Maidan Shahr. "They killed and wounded a number of our beloved and honest sons."

In recent years the Afghan government has stopped releasing detailed casualty figures. Last year Ghani has said 28,000 Afghan police officers and soldiers have been killed since 2015, breaking the longstanding suppression on casualty data.

Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the attack. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the hardline Islamic militant group said they have killed 190 people in the complex attack.

Last week, Taliban fighters set off a car bomb outside a highly fortified compound killing at least five people and wounding more than 110 Afghans and expatriates in the capital, Kabul.

The Taliban killed more than 100 members of the Afghan security forces inside a military compound in central Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a senior defence official said.

The Taliban killed more than 100 members of the Afghan security forces inside a military compound in central Maidan Wardak province on Monday, a senior defence official said. "We have information that 126 people have been killed in the explosion inside the military training centre, eight special commandoes are among the dead," said a senior official in the defence ministry in Kabul, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the assault began on Monday morning when the attackers rammed a car full explosives through a military checkpoint and detonated the vehicle inside the campus of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) forces training centre in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Maidan Wardak province. Two gunmen entered the campus right after the explosion and shot at many Afghan soldiers before being gunned down during the clashes. Defence ministry officials said the Taliban had used US-made armoured Humvee vehicles captured from Afghan forces as a car bomb in order to breach the military fortifications. A second source residing in Maidan Wardak province said more than 100 members of National Directorate of Security (NDS) were killed in the complex attack. "I have been in touch with the NDS official in the province and they told me that over 100 members of the NDS were killed in the big explosion," the former provincial official said. Sharif Hotak, a member of the provincial council in Maidan Wardak said he saw bodies of 35 Afghan forces in the hospital. "Many more were killed. Several bodies were transported to Kabul city and many injured were transferred to hospitals in Kabul," said Hotak, adding that "the government was hiding the accurate casualty figures to prevent a further dip in morale of the Afghan forces." "The explosion was very powerful. The whole building has collapsed," he said. Government officials in Maidan Wardak and Kabul declined to comment when asked if they were obscuring the death toll. Two senior officials in the interior ministry said the exact casualty figures was not being disclosed to prevent unrest within the armed forces. "I have been told not to make the death toll figures public. It is frustrating to hide the facts," said a senior interior ministry official in Kabul. A senior NDS official in Kabul said at least 50 people were killed or wounded in the complex attack. Abdurrahman Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor in Maidan Wardak said 12 people were killed and 12 were injured when the car bomb exploded near the Afghan special forces unit. President Ashraf Ghani's office in a statement said the "enemies of the country" had carried out an attack against NDS personnel in Maidan Shahr. "They killed and wounded a number of our beloved and honest sons." In recent years the Afghan government has stopped releasing detailed casualty figures. Last year Ghani has said 28,000 Afghan police officers and soldiers have been killed since 2015, breaking the longstanding suppression on casualty data. Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the attack. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the hardline Islamic militant group said they have killed 190 people in the complex attack. Last week, Taliban fighters set off a car bomb outside a highly fortified compound killing at least five people and wounding more than 110 Afghans and expatriates in the capital, Kabul.

Over 100 security personnel killed in Taliban attack in Afghanistan: Defence ministry source

Major assaults by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan`s western province of Farah bordering Iran, mounted with the aim of weakening the government`s grip on the region, have killed at least 30 Afghan security forces, officials said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Taliban have ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law.

The latest attack comes four days after the Taliban killed 50 police and soldiers at checkpoints in Farah city and nearby districts.

"Unfortunately, many of our men have lost their lives in Farah," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry in Kabul, the capital.

Danish said more than 30 policemen had been killed since Wednesday and additional forces were being deployed.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the clashes in Farah, which are widely seen as forming part of their strategy to step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States.

Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the hardline militant group, said its fighters killed 35 security personnel, arrested two security officials, destroyed government vehicles and seized a large cache of weapons in Farah.

US commanders have said they expect the Taliban to step up military efforts to improve their position while they maintain contacts with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad aimed at opening peace negotiations.

Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, met President Ashraf Ghani and other officials at the weekend, in his latest round of meetings following an initial meeting last month with Taliban officials in Qatar.

Fighting in Farah highlights the pressure on Afghanistan’s overstretched security forces, which are suffering from their highest level of casualties ever, estimates from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission show.

The government no longer releases precise casualty figures, but officials say at least 500 men are being killed every month and hundreds more wounded, a tally many consider an underestimate.

Major assaults by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan`s western province of Farah bordering Iran, mounted with the aim of weakening the government`s grip on the region, have killed at least 30 Afghan security forces, officials said on Thursday.

Major assaults by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan`s western province of Farah bordering Iran, mounted with the aim of weakening the government`s grip on the region, have killed at least 30 Afghan security forces, officials said on Thursday. The Taliban have ramped up attacks in strategic provinces in their battle to expel foreign forces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law. The latest attack comes four days after the Taliban killed 50 police and soldiers at checkpoints in Farah city and nearby districts. "Unfortunately, many of our men have lost their lives in Farah," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry in Kabul, the capital. Danish said more than 30 policemen had been killed since Wednesday and additional forces were being deployed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the clashes in Farah, which are widely seen as forming part of their strategy to step up battlefield pressure while seeking a political settlement with the United States. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the hardline militant group, said its fighters killed 35 security personnel, arrested two security officials, destroyed government vehicles and seized a large cache of weapons in Farah. US commanders have said they expect the Taliban to step up military efforts to improve their position while they maintain contacts with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad aimed at opening peace negotiations. Khalilzad, an Afghan-born former US ambassador to Kabul, met President Ashraf Ghani and other officials at the weekend, in his latest round of meetings following an initial meeting last month with Taliban officials in Qatar. Fighting in Farah highlights the pressure on Afghanistan’s overstretched security forces, which are suffering from their highest level of casualties ever, estimates from the NATO-led Resolute Support mission show. The government no longer releases precise casualty figures, but officials say at least 500 men are being killed every month and hundreds more wounded, a tally many consider an underestimate.

Taliban attacks in western Afghanistan kill at least 30 security forces

The Taliban's campaign of violence and intimidation during last month's parliamentary elections in Afghanistan was the deadliest for civilians in years, a report by the United Nations mission in the country has said.

The report titled 2018 "Elections Violence', issued Tuesday, shows that on October 20 and over the following days when delayed polling took place, the UN recorded 435 civilian casualties&nbsp;56 killed and 379 injured.

Almost nine in 10 casualties happened on October 20 itself, making it the election day with the highest number of civilians killed and injured since the UN began its systematic documentation of civilian casualties in 2009.&nbsp;

Shortly before the polling centres opened on that day, the Taliban stated on Twitter that all election sites in the country would be under attack, cautioning citizens not to get involved in the elections process.&nbsp;

Following the opening of the polling centres, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) began receiving reports of attacks targeting polling centres, with the intensity of the attacks increasing throughout the day.

The report notes that, according to the Independent Election Commission, of the approximately 8.8 million Afghans registered to vote, only 4.2 million cast a ballot, showing that large numbers were unwilling or unable to do so.

"Those who made efforts to vote," the report said, "did so in defiance of an orchestrated campaign of abductions, threats, intimidation and harassment of voters and election workers carried out by the Taliban in the weeks and months leading up to the elections".

"These incidents, taken together with a series of public statements made by the Taliban on the elections, reveal a deliberate campaign intended to disrupt and undermine the electoral process, and deprive Afghan citizens of their right to freely participate in the political process without fear."

The report documents the numerous attacks by non-State armed groups, mainly the Taliban, in populated civilian areas, including attacks against schools, clinics and mosques used as polling centres.&nbsp;

These attacks were mainly carried out using rockets, grenades and mortars, as well as improvised explosive devices. Shooting during ground fighting also occurred.

More than 100 children and over 50 women were killed or injured in the violence.&nbsp;

Overall, this is the highest level of election-related civilian harm compared to the four previous elections held in the country, especially when factoring in the casualties counted in the earlier months, since voter registration in April and throughout the campaigning period.

"The Taliban's actions forced many ordinary Afghans to choose between exercising their right to participate in the political process and risking their own safety," UNAMA said, noting that unreasonably restricting someone's right to take part in public affairs is a human rights violation.

The Taliban's campaign of violence and intimidation during last month's parliamentary elections in Afghanistan was the deadliest for civilians in years, a report by the United Nations mission in the country has said.

The Taliban's campaign of violence and intimidation during last month's parliamentary elections in Afghanistan was the deadliest for civilians in years, a report by the United Nations mission in the country has said. The report titled 2018 "Elections Violence', issued Tuesday, shows that on October 20 and over the following days when delayed polling took place, the UN recorded 435 civilian casualties 56 killed and 379 injured. Almost nine in 10 casualties happened on October 20 itself, making it the election day with the highest number of civilians killed and injured since the UN began its systematic documentation of civilian casualties in 2009. Shortly before the polling centres opened on that day, the Taliban stated on Twitter that all election sites in the country would be under attack, cautioning citizens not to get involved in the elections process. Following the opening of the polling centres, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) began receiving reports of attacks targeting polling centres, with the intensity of the attacks increasing throughout the day. The report notes that, according to the Independent Election Commission, of the approximately 8.8 million Afghans registered to vote, only 4.2 million cast a ballot, showing that large numbers were unwilling or unable to do so. "Those who made efforts to vote," the report said, "did so in defiance of an orchestrated campaign of abductions, threats, intimidation and harassment of voters and election workers carried out by the Taliban in the weeks and months leading up to the elections". "These incidents, taken together with a series of public statements made by the Taliban on the elections, reveal a deliberate campaign intended to disrupt and undermine the electoral process, and deprive Afghan citizens of their right to freely participate in the political process without fear." The report documents the numerous attacks by non-State armed groups, mainly the Taliban, in populated civilian areas, including attacks against schools, clinics and mosques used as polling centres. These attacks were mainly carried out using rockets, grenades and mortars, as well as improvised explosive devices. Shooting during ground fighting also occurred. More than 100 children and over 50 women were killed or injured in the violence. Overall, this is the highest level of election-related civilian harm compared to the four previous elections held in the country, especially when factoring in the casualties counted in the earlier months, since voter registration in April and throughout the campaigning period. "The Taliban's actions forced many ordinary Afghans to choose between exercising their right to participate in the political process and risking their own safety," UNAMA said, noting that unreasonably restricting someone's right to take part in public affairs is a human rights violation.

Taliban-led violence during recent Afghan polls leaves record high numbers of civilians dead: UN

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks.

Road trips are a dangerous, and often deadly, activity in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Travellers run the gauntlet of Taliban checkpoints, fighting, robberies, kidnappings, and pressure-plate bombs targeting government officials and security forces.&nbsp;

The stretch of Highway 1 between the Afghan capital and the southeastern city of Ghazni -- which the Taliban stormed in August and still threaten -- is one of the most treacherous.&nbsp;

Spontaneous trips are out of the question, said Mohammad, who is in his 20s and a regular visitor to Kabul.

Mohammad, not his real name, asked AFP to use a pseudonym to avoid being identified by the Taliban.&nbsp;

He begins preparing for the journey at least two weeks before his planned departure, starting with growing out his beard, which he normally keeps short, to create a scruffier appearance.

He then starts working his contacts, calling trusted relatives and neighbours who ply the busy route for information about Taliban activity along the main artery connecting Kabul to the insurgent strongholds in the south.

"You have to be careful who you call because you could be sold out to the Taliban" by someone working for the militant group, he told AFP.&nbsp;

'Many reasons to worry'&nbsp;

On the day of his departure, Mohammad swaps his clean, well-ironed clothes for a dirty pyjama-like shalwar kameez to make himself look more like a villager and clears the call history on his mobile in case a phone number raises suspicion.

"You can't just jump into a car and come (to Kabul), not if you want to be on the safe side," he said.

Mohammad's most recent trip to Kabul was delayed for three days after he received warnings of Taliban disguised as Afghan soldiers manning checkpoints along the road.&nbsp;

The first thing Taliban militants check is a person's tazkira, or national identification document.&nbsp;

"If the tazkira is from Ghazni then you may be fine. If not, they might think that you are a member of the security forces from another province coming to Ghazni to fight," Mohammad said.&nbsp;

After registering to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election -- which the Taliban had vowed to attack and which was finally cancelled in Ghazni due to protests -- Mohammad carries a second tazkira that does not have a sticker identifying him as a voter.&nbsp;

"There are many reasons to be worried and anxious," Mohammad explained.

"Even if they don't kill you, they may keep you as a hostage and ask for a ransom. If they kept me for one night, my mother would not survive."&nbsp;

A one-way trip between Kabul and Ghazni costs Mohammad 250 afghanis (around $3) in a Toyota Corolla taxi, a ubiquitous model in Afghanistan that is often used as public transport. He tries to travel with drivers he knows.

He avoids travelling on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those are the days the Afghan army delivers supplies to its troops in the provinces and attacks along the highway are more likely, Mohammad said.

Thursday, the last day of the Afghan working week, is also a bad day to venture out of the city. Militants lie in wait for government employees as they leave Ghazni for the weekend.&nbsp;

Fear of death&nbsp;

Whenever possible, Mohammad said he travels with women wearing burqas, but not because he prefers their company.&nbsp;

In the deeply conservative society where physical contact between men and women in public is prohibited, female passengers can hide mobile phones and other sensitive items under their head-to-toe coverings without fear of the Taliban searching them.&nbsp;

Once on the open road, Mohammad remains vigilant.

He listens carefully to the phone conversations of the driver and other occupants for signs they are planning to give him, or someone else in the vehicle, up to the Taliban.

"Taliban spies use codes like 'I have brought the rooster that you asked for' or 'we found the yoghurt that you asked for'," he said.&nbsp;

An oncoming vehicle with lights blinking, a line of cars stopped on the highway, or no traffic at all are warning signs that something has happened up ahead. &nbsp;

"Fighting and ambushes are common. You have to accept that you might face it," Mohammad said.&nbsp;

Despite the risks, Kabul's alluring cafes and shopping malls make the nail-biting trip worthwhile, Mohammad said.

Even a few days in the heavily militarised and overcrowded city is "refreshing" and a relief from Ghazni, where he feels his "heart can burst from boredom".

But Mohammad does what he can to stay safe on his journey, even paying a few cents to a street beggar as he leaves the city in the hope the good deed will protect him.

"I still fear death," he said. "But I try to stay calm."

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks.

On a good day, it takes Mohammad less than three hours to drive from Ghazni to Kabul. But preparations for the hair-raising journey through Taliban-infested areas can take weeks. Road trips are a dangerous, and often deadly, activity in Afghanistan. Travellers run the gauntlet of Taliban checkpoints, fighting, robberies, kidnappings, and pressure-plate bombs targeting government officials and security forces. The stretch of Highway 1 between the Afghan capital and the southeastern city of Ghazni -- which the Taliban stormed in August and still threaten -- is one of the most treacherous. Spontaneous trips are out of the question, said Mohammad, who is in his 20s and a regular visitor to Kabul. Mohammad, not his real name, asked AFP to use a pseudonym to avoid being identified by the Taliban. He begins preparing for the journey at least two weeks before his planned departure, starting with growing out his beard, which he normally keeps short, to create a scruffier appearance. He then starts working his contacts, calling trusted relatives and neighbours who ply the busy route for information about Taliban activity along the main artery connecting Kabul to the insurgent strongholds in the south. "You have to be careful who you call because you could be sold out to the Taliban" by someone working for the militant group, he told AFP. 'Many reasons to worry' On the day of his departure, Mohammad swaps his clean, well-ironed clothes for a dirty pyjama-like shalwar kameez to make himself look more like a villager and clears the call history on his mobile in case a phone number raises suspicion. "You can't just jump into a car and come (to Kabul), not if you want to be on the safe side," he said. Mohammad's most recent trip to Kabul was delayed for three days after he received warnings of Taliban disguised as Afghan soldiers manning checkpoints along the road. The first thing Taliban militants check is a person's tazkira, or national identification document. "If the tazkira is from Ghazni then you may be fine. If not, they might think that you are a member of the security forces from another province coming to Ghazni to fight," Mohammad said. After registering to vote in the October 20 parliamentary election -- which the Taliban had vowed to attack and which was finally cancelled in Ghazni due to protests -- Mohammad carries a second tazkira that does not have a sticker identifying him as a voter. "There are many reasons to be worried and anxious," Mohammad explained. "Even if they don't kill you, they may keep you as a hostage and ask for a ransom. If they kept me for one night, my mother would not survive." A one-way trip between Kabul and Ghazni costs Mohammad 250 afghanis (around $3) in a Toyota Corolla taxi, a ubiquitous model in Afghanistan that is often used as public transport. He tries to travel with drivers he knows. He avoids travelling on Mondays and Wednesdays. Those are the days the Afghan army delivers supplies to its troops in the provinces and attacks along the highway are more likely, Mohammad said. Thursday, the last day of the Afghan working week, is also a bad day to venture out of the city. Militants lie in wait for government employees as they leave Ghazni for the weekend. Fear of death Whenever possible, Mohammad said he travels with women wearing burqas, but not because he prefers their company. In the deeply conservative society where physical contact between men and women in public is prohibited, female passengers can hide mobile phones and other sensitive items under their head-to-toe coverings without fear of the Taliban searching them. Once on the open road, Mohammad remains vigilant. He listens carefully to the phone conversations of the driver and other occupants for signs they are planning to give him, or someone else in the vehicle, up to the Taliban. "Taliban spies use codes like 'I have brought the rooster that you asked for' or 'we found the yoghurt that you asked for'," he said. An oncoming vehicle with lights blinking, a line of cars stopped on the highway, or no traffic at all are warning signs that something has happened up ahead. "Fighting and ambushes are common. You have to accept that you might face it," Mohammad said. Despite the risks, Kabul's alluring cafes and shopping malls make the nail-biting trip worthwhile, Mohammad said. Even a few days in the heavily militarised and overcrowded city is "refreshing" and a relief from Ghazni, where he feels his "heart can burst from boredom". But Mohammad does what he can to stay safe on his journey, even paying a few cents to a street beggar as he leaves the city in the hope the good deed will protect him. "I still fear death," he said. "But I try to stay calm."

Highway to hell: Afghan travellers run gauntlet of Taliban violence

A US army general was among those injured in a Taliban attack on top US and Afghan security chiefs inside a highly secure compound last week in Kandahar province, a military spokesman confirmed.

US Army Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley, in charge of NATO's military advisory mission in Afghanistan, suffered at least one gunshot wound in Thursday's attack, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

A gunman wearing an Afghan security forces uniform opened fire on a group including General Scott Miller -- the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan -- and powerful Afghan police chief General Abdul Raziq as they ended a meeting in the southern city of Kandahar.

Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman and key US ally who was credited with keeping a lid on the insurgency in the south, was killed along with Kandahar's provincial intelligence chief and an Afghan journalist.&nbsp;

Colonel David Butler, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, initially confirmed on Twitter that three unidentified people were injured: one US service member, one US civilian and a coalition contractor.&nbsp;

Later, in tweets discussing US media reports that named Smiley, he confirmed he was wounded.

That the Taliban could mount a deadly insider assault in such a secure location rattled Afghanistan, a country long used to high-profile targeted killings and violence.

It was also an unusual incident for the US military, whose generals seldom face attack and are rarely wounded.

A US army general was among those injured in a Taliban attack on top US and Afghan security chiefs inside a highly secure compound last week in Kandahar province, a military spokesman confirmed.

A US army general was among those injured in a Taliban attack on top US and Afghan security chiefs inside a highly secure compound last week in Kandahar province, a military spokesman confirmed. US Army Brigadier General Jeffrey Smiley, in charge of NATO's military advisory mission in Afghanistan, suffered at least one gunshot wound in Thursday's attack, the Washington Post reported Sunday. A gunman wearing an Afghan security forces uniform opened fire on a group including General Scott Miller -- the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan -- and powerful Afghan police chief General Abdul Raziq as they ended a meeting in the southern city of Kandahar. Raziq, an anti-Taliban strongman and key US ally who was credited with keeping a lid on the insurgency in the south, was killed along with Kandahar's provincial intelligence chief and an Afghan journalist. Colonel David Butler, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, initially confirmed on Twitter that three unidentified people were injured: one US service member, one US civilian and a coalition contractor. Later, in tweets discussing US media reports that named Smiley, he confirmed he was wounded. That the Taliban could mount a deadly insider assault in such a secure location rattled Afghanistan, a country long used to high-profile targeted killings and violence. It was also an unusual incident for the US military, whose generals seldom face attack and are rarely wounded.

US Army general wounded in Afghanistan attack

The Taliban mounted attacks on two military check posts&nbsp;in the western Farah province bordering Iran on Sunday, killing at least 20 Afghanistan soldiers and injuring 11.

While five Taliban members were also killed in the attack, more than 10 Afghan soldiers have been taken as hostages by the group.

The Governor of Pusht Rod district confirmed the attacks by the Taliban on two military check posts and told Anadolu Agency that the confrontation started on Saturday night and carried on till the wee hours of Sunday morning.

He further mentioned that arms and ammunition have also been taken by the Taliban group while confirming the abovementioned figures.

However, Muhibullah Muhib, the provincial police headquarters'&nbsp;spokesman, confirmed the death of only 10 soldiers, adding that Special Forces reached the site to free five soldiers who have been taken hostage by Taliban.

Meanwhile, Taliban's spokesperson Qari Yosuf Ahmadi claimed that 21 Afghan soldiers were killed, while 12 soldiers have been taken in as captives by the group while taking full responsibility for the attacks. He further mentioned that no Taliban member has been killed in the attack.

Taliban had recently launched an attack on a number of security check posts in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, which led to the death of at least 15 Afghan security personnel and left 26 security personnel injured.

The attack in Farah comes just a few days after a Taliban delegation met US'&nbsp;Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar to discuss "a peaceful solution in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

The Taliban mounted attacks on two military check posts in the western Farah province bordering Iran on Sunday, killing at least 20 Afghanistan soldiers and injuring 11.

The Taliban mounted attacks on two military check posts in the western Farah province bordering Iran on Sunday, killing at least 20 Afghanistan soldiers and injuring 11. While five Taliban members were also killed in the attack, more than 10 Afghan soldiers have been taken as hostages by the group. The Governor of Pusht Rod district confirmed the attacks by the Taliban on two military check posts and told Anadolu Agency that the confrontation started on Saturday night and carried on till the wee hours of Sunday morning. He further mentioned that arms and ammunition have also been taken by the Taliban group while confirming the abovementioned figures. However, Muhibullah Muhib, the provincial police headquarters' spokesman, confirmed the death of only 10 soldiers, adding that Special Forces reached the site to free five soldiers who have been taken hostage by Taliban. Meanwhile, Taliban's spokesperson Qari Yosuf Ahmadi claimed that 21 Afghan soldiers were killed, while 12 soldiers have been taken in as captives by the group while taking full responsibility for the attacks. He further mentioned that no Taliban member has been killed in the attack. Taliban had recently launched an attack on a number of security check posts in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, which led to the death of at least 15 Afghan security personnel and left 26 security personnel injured. The attack in Farah comes just a few days after a Taliban delegation met US' Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar to discuss "a peaceful solution in Afghanistan".

Afghanistan: Taliban attacks soldiers in western province; 20 killed

A woman staff member of&nbsp;the United Nations was abducted on Monday morning from the Khair Khana area of Kabul, Afghanistan.

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A staff member of United Nations &amp; her child kidnapped early Monday morning in Khair Khana in Kabul city. The woman had reportedly been on her way to drop her child off at school before heading to work when she was abducted: TOLOnews <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
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According to reports, the woman was on her way to drop her child off at school before leaving for work.

The child she was dropping off was also abducted with her.

Further details of the incident are awaited.

Meanwhile, on Saturday night, six civilians were killed and three injured in the Taliban attack at the Intercontinental hotel which was scheduled to host an IT conference on January 21.

According to reports, the woman was on her way to drop her child off at school before leaving for work

A woman staff member of the United Nations was abducted on Monday morning from the Khair Khana area of Kabul, Afghanistan. A staff member of United Nations & her child kidnapped early Monday morning in Khair Khana in Kabul city. The woman had reportedly been on her way to drop her child off at school before heading to work when she was abducted: TOLOnews #Afghanistan — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × According to reports, the woman was on her way to drop her child off at school before leaving for work. The child she was dropping off was also abducted with her. Further details of the incident are awaited. Meanwhile, on Saturday night, six civilians were killed and three injured in the Taliban attack at the Intercontinental hotel which was scheduled to host an IT conference on January 21.

Afghanistan: UN staff member abducted in Kabul

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Taliban">Taliban</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, saying that US defense secretary James Mattis and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg were their targets.

The&nbsp;&quot;target was US secretary of defense James Mattis.&quot;, Afghan TV channel Tolo News reported the Taliban as emphasising.&nbsp;

Two more explosions were reported as having taken place near the airport following the earlier rocket attacks.

A barrage of about 20-30 rockets were&nbsp;fired on Wednesday morning at the international airport, Afghan media reported.

The incident, which occurred at 11.30 am happened shortly after US defense secretary James Mattis arrived in the Afghan capital for talks, an official said. 
 
The airport, located in the heart of Kabul, has been evacuated and all flights have been cancelled for now. 
 
&quot;A rocket landed near the airport this morning. No casualties reported,&quot; interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said in a tweet.

Eyewitnesses in the 9th police district said that a house was used for the attack and several rockets were fired at the airport. The security forces have cordoned off the house and a search operation is underway.

The Kabul airport is five kilometers from the city centre. It serves as one of the country&#39;s largest military bases, used by the United States Armed Forces and NATO&#39;s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The military of Afghanistan also has a base there, while the Afghan National Police provide security inside the passenger terminals.

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Taliban had emphasised that US defense secretary James Mattis and NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg were their targets

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, saying that US defense secretary James Mattis and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg were their targets. The "target was US secretary of defense James Mattis.", Afghan TV channel Tolo News reported the Taliban as emphasising. Two more explosions were reported as having taken place near the airport following the earlier rocket attacks. A barrage of about 20-30 rockets were fired on Wednesday morning at the international airport, Afghan media reported. The incident, which occurred at 11.30 am happened shortly after US defense secretary James Mattis arrived in the Afghan capital for talks, an official said. The airport, located in the heart of Kabul, has been evacuated and all flights have been cancelled for now. "A rocket landed near the airport this morning. No casualties reported," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said in a tweet. Eyewitnesses in the 9th police district said that a house was used for the attack and several rockets were fired at the airport. The security forces have cordoned off the house and a search operation is underway. The Kabul airport is five kilometers from the city centre. It serves as one of the country's largest military bases, used by the United States Armed Forces and NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The military of Afghanistan also has a base there, while the Afghan National Police provide security inside the passenger terminals.

Watch: Taliban claims responsibility for Kabul airport attack

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan&#39;s western city of Quetta has left at least 61&nbsp;people dead, international news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

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Pakistan on Tuesday mourned the killing of the people in&nbsp;the deadliest attack on a security installation in the country`s history.&nbsp;

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The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack &ndash; which began last night at 11.30 pm local time on Monday&nbsp;&ndash; was carried out by three militants&nbsp;and not six as was previously estimated by the&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

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Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces.

&nbsp;

Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44,&nbsp;but rescue officials updated the figure to at least 59.

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The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban,&nbsp;senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

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The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added.

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The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy.

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There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began.

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Most of the&nbsp;injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta &mdash;&nbsp;Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital.

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Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured.

&nbsp;

&quot;Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area,&quot; Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead.

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Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators.

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The police training centre&nbsp;is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come&nbsp;under attack in 2006&nbsp;and 2008. In 2006,&nbsp;attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard.

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. &quot;We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,&quot; State Department spokesperson John Kirby said.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Two of the attackers reportedly blew themselves up to avoid being captured, the third was killed in a gun battle with security forces

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan's western city of Quetta has left at least 61 people dead, international news agency AFP reported. Pakistan on Tuesday mourned the killing of the people in the deadliest attack on a security installation in the country`s history. The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack – which began last night at 11.30 pm local time on Monday – was carried out by three militants and not six as was previously estimated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces. Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44, but rescue officials updated the figure to at least 59. The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn. The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added. The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy. There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began. Most of the injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta — Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital. Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured. "Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area," Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators. The police training centre is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come under attack in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard. Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. "We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism," State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Quetta attack: At least 61 dead in Pakistan after 3 militants storm police college

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